Knowledge Base

Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome is caused by a change in a gene and is passed from parent to child. Learn about symptoms and effects of this genetic disorder.

Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited developmental disability. A problem with a specific gene causes the disease. Normally, the gene makes a protein you need for brain development. But the problem causes a person to make little or none of the protein. This causes the symptoms of Fragile X.

People with only a small change in the gene might not show any signs of Fragile X. People with bigger changes can have severe symptoms. These might include